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Related Concept Videos

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Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
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A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
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Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
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A circuit perspective on narcolepsy.

A R Adamantidis1,2, M H Schmidt1,3, M E Carter4

  • 1Department of Neurology, Centre for Experimental Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

Sleep
|January 11, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder, involves daytime sleepiness and REM sleep issues. This study proposes a broader circuit-based view of narcolepsy mechanisms beyond the Hypocretin/Orexin system for better treatments.

Keywords:
cataplexyhypocretins/orexinsnarcolepsyneural circuits

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Narcolepsy presents with disrupted sleep-wake states, including excessive daytime sleepiness and REM sleep abnormalities.
  • The Hypocretin/Orexin (Hcrt/Ox) system's dysfunction is implicated, but a comprehensive understanding remains incomplete.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a circuit-level perspective on narcolepsy pathophysiology.
  • To explore mechanisms beyond the Hcrt/Ox system.
  • To outline future research strategies for narcolepsy.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Analysis of brain regions, neuronal circuits, cell types, and neurotransmitters involved in narcolepsy.
  • Discussion of experimental approaches.

Main Results:

  • Narcolepsy symptoms arise from complex interactions within broader neural circuits.
  • Mechanisms extend beyond the Hypocretin/Orexin system, involving multiple brain areas and cell types.
  • A circuit perspective offers a more integrated view of the disease.

Conclusions:

  • A circuit-based approach is crucial for understanding narcolepsy.
  • Investigating brain-wide circuits beyond Hcrt/Ox is essential for developing effective treatments.
  • Future research should focus on integrated circuit mechanisms.